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Melbourne University Choral Society Box 51, Union House University of Melbourne, VIC 3010 ABN: 28 518 374 155 |
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Upcoming Concerts
Melbourne University Choral Society presents
GOUNOD: MESSE SOLENNELLE DE SAINTE CÉCILE Conducted by Andrew Wailes, featuring the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and outstanding soloists
Rarely-performed masterpieces by two of France's most influential Romantic composers, Charles Gounod and child prodigy Camille Saint-Saëns, feature in a performance by the Melbourne University Choral Society. Widely regarded as one of Victoria's finest large choirs, the 100-voice choir joins with the acclaimed Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and outstanding soloists under the baton of Chief Conductor Andrew Wailes to perform the stirring Messe Solennelle de Saint-Cécile (Solemn Mass for Saint Cecilia) by Gounod and Saint-Saëns. Oratorio de Noël (Christmas Oratorio). The Solemn Mass for Saint Cecilia, named in honour of the Patron Saint of Music, catapulted Gounod to international fame as a composer. To this day, it is regarded as his finest choral work. Oratorio de Noël is a musical journey through the Nativity story, concluding with one of the most rousing choruses composed. the Tollite Hostias. Written by Saint-Saëns in 1858 when he was just 23 years old, the work combines music inspired by the Baroque traditions of J. S. Bach with the lush writing of the Romantic period and the strong influences of French Opera to produce a work of great beauty and contrast. For this performance, MUCS will be joined by outstanding operatic singers, headlined by UK mezzo-soprano Emily Bauer-Jones (fresh from performances with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra), and Sydney Baritone Matthew Thomas. The performance will be directed by award-winning conductor Andrew Wailes, widely regarded as one of Australia.s leading symphonic choral specialists. Don't miss this performance of French Romanticism at its best. French Romantics: Gounod & Saint-Saëns is on at 8 pm on Saturday 20 December 2008, at Wesley Uniting Church, 128-148 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne (between Russell and Exhibition Sts). Tickets are $29 for adults and $23 students/concession. For tickets, purchase from MUCS members, or directly through MUCS on bookings@mucs.org.au or ring 0423 784 182.Joining the Melbourne University Choral Society Come and attend MUCS rehearsals at Saint Mary's West Hall (near the corner of Elgin and Swanston Sts, on Tin Alley). We rehearse every Wednesday from 6:45pm to 9.30pm. MUCS is a non-auditioned choir and always welcomes new members. Click here for more detailed information about joining MUCS. We are happy to answer any queries you may have. just click here for details on how to contact us. We hope to see you there. Recent Concerts:2008 - Verdi/Kodaly 2008 - Hong Kong Baptist University Choir 2008 - Stuttgart Concert 2007 - Hail, Gladdening Light! 2007 Immortal Beethoven
2007 Combined Concert with Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum |
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Information
The Choir
The Melbourne University Choral Society (MUCS) has established a reputation as one of Melbourne's leading large choirs, and has brought an exciting blend of youthful energy and musical skill to many works throughout more than six decades of existence... > Read More
The Conductor |
“The appearance of the Messe Saint-Cécile caused a kind of
shock. This simplicity, this grandeur, this serene light which rose before
the musical world like a breaking dawn, troubled people enormously... at
first one was dazzled, then charmed, then conquered.”